Gombe State has confirmed three deaths linked to cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) as of March 27, 2025. Health officials have raised concerns about the spread of the disease and urged residents to take necessary precautions to prevent further infections.
During a media briefing at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, the Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, provided an update on the situation. He noted that 70 suspected cases of meningitis had been identified across nine local government areas (LGAs). Of the 63 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected, 31 tested positive for the disease.
“We have so far recorded only three deaths,” Dahiru said.
He further noted that the outbreak had reached epidemic levels in three LGAs: Kaltungo, Yamaltu-Deba, and Gombe. Due to the rising number of cases in these areas, he declared an ongoing outbreak and assured the public that regular updates would be provided.
Dahiru explained that CSM is a preventable and treatable disease. He urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, neck pain, convulsions, or altered consciousness to seek immediate medical attention.
“CSM is transmitted directly from person to person through respiratory droplets from the nose and throat. Poor living conditions, particularly overcrowding, increase the likelihood of transmission,” he said.
To reduce the spread, the commissioner urged residents to avoid overcrowded places, stay hydrated during the hot season, and maintain proper personal and environmental hygiene. He also advised those showing symptoms to visit a hospital for assessment and care.
Dahiru assured the public that vaccines would be distributed to the most affected areas once they were available. He also confirmed that drugs and essential medical supplies had been released from state reserves to provide free treatment for all confirmed cases.
To further control the outbreak, health authorities have intensified efforts through community awareness campaigns and social mobilisation. Rapid response teams have been deployed across all LGAs to identify and monitor cases within healthcare facilities and local communities.
Additionally, medical professionals, including doctors and anesthetic nurses, have received training on lumbar puncture procedures. This technique is essential for collecting CSF samples to confirm meningitis diagnoses.
Dahiru stated that regular situation reports were being shared with relevant health agencies, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international health partners.
